Meet Speth Szabo | Tattooer & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Speth Szabo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Speth, how do you think about risk?
Getting into art and tattooing was a huge risk for me. I never thought it would be possible. It was something that I had wanted since I was a teenager. You never know how people will perceive your artwork and if you can gain clientele or not. It’s never guaranteed. You have to work hard and keep going for the love of it, and hope to build your business. I definitely struggled a lot at first. Living in the Bay Area is expensive! So, to work without the guarantee of funds, was a big risk for me. Everyday, I’m so glad I chose this path. Without risk there is no reward. The Bay Area is packed with great tattoo artists to choose from, so I’m so grateful everyday that my clients choose me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love whimsical, fun flowing designs! I’m so grateful that my clients bring me all the best ideas. I specialize in custom, bright and bold Traditional Americana style tattoos, as well as black and grey. I enjoy tattooing animals, pet portraits, whimsical scenery, florals, and botanical illustrations. I’m really proud of continuing to challenge myself in tattooing by taking on a wide range of projects and styles. I am honored everyday that my clients allow me to collaborate with them, and I strive to give them the best experience possible in a safe environment. I am a queer, nonbinary, tattoo artist working at Pretty In Ink Oakland.

Going into an art career is never easy! Ive been drawing all my life and knew at a very young age i wanted to be an artist. I feel extremely grateful that my parents encouraged me to pursue it. I graduated art school with a BFA in illustration from CCA. I started working for a company creating paper toys, comics and products. Then, I took a contract job at a big tech company doing illustration work. I didn’t feel satisfied with the corporate environment. I knew I had to make a life change. My partner and I spent a year creating tattoo flash portfolios. When my aforementioned contract ended, I took on a night job which made time during the day to pursue tattooing. I started bringing my portfolio with me while getting tattooed at different shops and asking for critiques and advice. I soon found an apprenticeship with Joe Paul (@bellandiron) at Bell & Iron in Oakland. I felt immensely grateful to be taken in.

Four years into tattooing, I still feel I’m at the beginning of my journey. Some lessons I learned along the way are to never give up, and try to tackle burnout early (Something that I am still working on). I suggest doing things other than art sometimes to avoid it. Plan trips or take adventures. Those are some of the things I look forward to most. Also, find your community! I could never do this without my Pretty In Ink family and the LGBTQIA+ community! We constantly encourage, share knowledge and support one another.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much to do in the Bay Area, California! So these are just a few things off the top of my head. First we would start off in Oakland. I would take them to the shop; Pretty In Ink Oakland. Then I would take them on a walk around Lake Merritt and then we would visit one of my favorite spots, Lucky Duck Bicycle Cafe! When we are ready to take a drive I would definitely take them to Point Reyes National Seashore! My favorite national park with tons of wildlife and extensive trails. I love hiking and exploring and those wild critters definitely inspire my work! I would also take them to some museums in SF like the SF MOMA. Lastly, I would take them to my shops favorite hang out spot in Oakland, the Kon-Tiki Bar to get some tasty tiki drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First I would love to thank my partner Isaac (@refusetattoos on instagram) for his constant support. We are definitely taking this journey together! We both wanted to pursue tattooing and now we are! Shoutout to my friend Hannah who encouraged me into tattooing (@ruinshit on instagram) who connected me with Amy (@amisamil) owner of Pretty In Ink (@prettyininkelectric). Since i’ve been working there, I’m so grateful to be in a queer space that is safe and inclusive to all. Lastly, a heartfelt shoutout to my friend and tattooer extraordinaire who passed away a few years ago, Aaron (@steichen_tattoo). He was a best friend and mentor to me and helped pave the way for me in tattooing. I’m eternally grateful for the encouragement of my friends, clients, and community! I couldn’t do this without you!

Instagram: @spethszabo

Other: Shop Instagram : @prettyininkelectric Website : prettyininkelectric.com

Image Credits
Headshot IG: @lilcroissant